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As an apprentice of Jesus, I recognize that I am sent into the world to join God in what He is already up to. Therefore, I need to be aware of the mission field right here in my community. The news of the day is an important tool in discovering the attitudes, perceived needs, and values of my mission field. So, as followers of Jesus, how should we approach the news?

Theologian Karl Barth recognized the importance of Scripture in engaging the world and news of the day. He said:

“…take your Bible and take your newspaper, and read both. But interpret newspapers from your Bible.”

Barth appears to be saying that we need to be informed in the ways of God and the issues of the day, but that the foundation for our perspectives and opinions should find their roots in God’s Word.

How then should we approach the news?

Here are some questions to intentionally engage the news of the day:

How do I feel when I hear this? Why do I feel this way? What has shaped my opinion?

Are my thoughts and opinions influenced or shaped by God’s Word?

Does God say anything about this issue in Scripture?

How might God desire to bring grace/mercy to this situation?

How might God want to bring justice/truth to this situation?

How can I participate in bringing this grace and justice?

What does this tell me about the mission field God has placed me in?

What need is being highlighted? How can I be be the presence of Jesus there?

Finally, we can be an activist through prayer. Jesus taught us to pray: “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…” He is teaching us to ask God to make our lives, our communities, and our world – look more like heaven.

So, here is a little saying to prompt us to be prayer activists as we encounter news: